Transparency International Malaysia – Press Statement
Issued in conjunction with the worldwide launch of the Transparency International Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) Survey 2013 – Malaysia’s 2013 GCB results
Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) 2013 surveys the general public’s on their experience, views and perceptions of corruption in their country, including views on the government’s efforts in fighting corruption was surveyed between September 2012 and March 2013.
In Malaysia, a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) survey method was conducted by TNS Malaysia of 1,000 members of the public covering 19% in urban and 81% in rural areas. The gender distribution is 52% male and 18% female.
The Findings
Malaysia’s GCB 2013 results are mixed, showing positive feedback in the public’s willingness to fight corruption while recording a fall in the perceived effectiveness of the government’s actions in fighting corruption.
With respect to the change in level of corruption in the last 2 years, 39% of the respondents believed that the level of corruption had increased, 47% said it stayed the same, and 14% put it as it had decreased. In 2011 survey, it was 37% of the respondents who thought that the level of corruption had increased.
With the new wave of the public awareness on curbing corruption, the survey showed that 79% of the respondents would say, “YES” to report an incident of corruption. As much as 67% are willing to sign a petition asking government to do more to fight corruption. Meanwhile 87% agreed that ordinary people can make a difference in fight against corruption. Generally, the effectiveness of government’s actions in fighting corruption saw a decrease to 31% from 49% in 2011.
On a scale of 1 – 5, where 1 means not at all corrupt and 5 means extremely corrupt as a problem in public sector, the respondents put a 3.8 which leads to the perception that the police is still perceived to be the most corrupt (4.0/5.0), followed by political parties (3.8/5.0) and public officials/civil servants (3.3/5.0) and Parliament/Legislature (3.3/5.0).
The Barometer survey asked people if they had come into contact with identified service providers in Malaysia and for each of these services they have engaged and were asked if they had paid a bribe. 12% have paid the police; 8% in the judicial system and 3% in the education system.
Encouragingly, the percentage of respondents that paid a bribe remains relatively low at 3%. An overwhelming number believes the Rakyat can make a difference in fighting corruption. In addition, the majority of respondents are willing to participate in some form of anti corruption activity.
These results indicate that the incidence of petty corruption continues to remain at low levels, demonstrating the Rakyat abhorrence to corruption and commitment to make a difference in the fight against corruption. However the more dangerous form of “grand corruption” involving collusion and state capture continues to be a cause for concern.
We are encouraged by the government’s appointment of Datuk Paul Low, Transparency International Malaysia’s (TI-M) former President as the Minister overseeing Anti-corruption, Governance and Integrity initiatives. With the government’s support, we believe that he will be able to make the structural changes necessary to improve Malaysia’s governance environment.
TI-M further commends the various GTP 2.0 initiatives announced by the government to fight corruption. Among them is the government’s own Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of 70% by 2015 in measuring how effective the Rakyat assesses its actions in fighting corruption. Given GCB 2013’s result of 31% whom believed in the effectiveness of government’s actions in fighting corruption, much more needs to be done in the short time left to achieve the KPI and ensure the timely success of all initiatives.
TI-M calls on the government to continue uphold the rule of law without fear or favour so that abusers especially “big fish” cases do not have impunity from prosecution. Initiative a thorough review and reform of the Police and Political Parties which are viewed as corrupt institutions. Enhance the autonomy and independence of investigative agencies such as the MACC and EAIC. Improve the protective framework to encourage more whistleblowers to come forward. Uphold transparency and accountability in public procurement.
The Rakyat has indicated its strong support in the fight against corruption. The government’s actions over the next 18 months will be crucial in how the public judges its commitment.
Issued by :-
Dato’ Akhbar Satar, President
President, Transparency International Malaysia
akhbar@transparency.org.my
Downloads:
GCB 2013 Press Statement (Malaysia).pdf
GCB 2013 Results Presentation (Malaysia).pdf
For global results, please click here.
